A computer is a machine that accepts data as input, procesess that data using programs, and outputs the

processed data. ... The two principal characteristics of a computer are: It responds to a specific instruction set
in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

What is Computer : Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with Information. The
term computer is derived from the Latin term ‘computare’, this means to calculate or programmable
machine. Computer can not do anything without a Program. It represents the decimal numbers through a
string of binary digits. The Word 'Computer' usually refers to the Center Processor Unit plus Internal memory.

harles Babbage is called the "Grand Father" of the computer. The First mechanical computer
designed by Charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine. It uses read-only memory in the form of
punch cards.
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes
these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and
saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and
logical) calculations.

Digital Computer Definition

The basic components of a modern digital computer are: Input Device, Output Device, Central
Processor Unit (CPU), mass storage device and memory. A Typical modern computer uses LSI
Chips. Four Functions about computer are:

accepts data Input

processes data Processing
produces output Output
stores results Storage

Input (Data):
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of
letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the computer
system.

Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as
Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

Computer Classification: By Size and Power

Computers differ based on their data processing abilities. They are classified according to purpose,
data handling and functionality.
According to functionality, computers are classified as:
• Analog Computer: A computer that represents numbers by some continuously variable physical
quantity, whose variations mimic the properties of some system being modeled.
• Personal computer: A personal computer is a computer small and low cost. The term"personal
computer" is used to describe desktop computers (desktops).
• Workstation: A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term
for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
• Minicomputer: A minicomputer isn't very mini. At least, not in the way most of us think of mini. You know
how big your personal computer is and its related family.
• Mainframe: It refers to the kind of large computer that runs an entire corporation.
• Supercomputer: It is the biggest, fastest, and most expensive computers on earth.
• Microcomputer: Your personal computer is a microcomputer.

USES of COMPUTER
Education : Getting the right kind of information
internet.Research
offers a variety of internet and video-based online courses.
Health and Medicine :
Computer technology is radically changing the tools of medicine. All medical information can now be digitized.
Science :
Business :
Defence: used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces
Sports:
Recording Information
Recording Information
Writers
Writers
Safety

Type of Computer

Super Computer - The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and
are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For
example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.

Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at
the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In
the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred,
however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a
minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.

Micro Computer or Personal Computer

• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no
keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.

Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term for a
user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."

Basic characteristics about computer are:

1. Speed: - As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for calculations that
we take hours to complete. You will be surprised to know that computer can perform millions
(1,000,000) of instructions and even more per second.
Therefore, we determine the speed of computer in terms of microsecond (10-6 part of a second) or
nanosecond (10 to the power -9 part of a second). From this you can imagine how fast your computer
performs work.
2. Accuracy: - The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is performed
with the same accuracy. The accuracy level is 7.
determined on the basis of design of computer. The errors in computer are due to human and
inaccurate data.
3. Diligence: - A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work for
hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will
perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to this capability it overpowers human being
in routine type of work.
4. Versatility: - It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use your
computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory management or to
prepare electric bills.
5. Power of Remembering: - Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data.
Any information can be stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of years. It
depends entirely upon you how much data you want to store in a computer and when to lose or
retrieve these data.
6. No IQ: - Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work without instruction from the user.
It performs the instructions at tremendous speed and with accuracy. It is you to decide what you want
to do and in what sequence. So a computer cannot take its own decision as you can.
7. No Feeling: - It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience. Thus it does
not get tired even after long hours of work. It does not distinguish between users.
8. Storage: - The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. You
can also store data in secondary storage devices such as floppies, which can be kept outside your
computer and can be carried to other computers.